STEP

3 October 2018, 14:54 | Updated: 11 September 2019, 11:57

Here's what you need to know about STEP.

STEP (the Swindon 10-18 Project) supports vulnerable young people living in and around Swindon. These young people may be victims of abuse or neglect, have poor mental health, be experiencing poverty and deprivation, or isolation and exclusion due to behavioural issues.

The charity works with young people helping them to develop essential life skills, manage their emotions and behaviour, and build meaningful relationships through group and one-to-one sessions.

STEP supports young people like Amber*, a 13-year-old who was struggling to cope with severe anxiety, resulting in self-harming and suicidal thoughts. Through her involvement with the charity, Amber learnt how to cope with the negative experiences in her life.

She told the charity: “I will be forever grateful for what STEP has given me – the courage and strength to continue in life. I believe I have changed for the better. Every Wednesday I smiled because I was at STEP. I am now able to feel more comfortable around new people and be confident enough to put myself out there in the world. Thank you so much.”

Global’s Make Some Noise will be supporting the ‘5 Steps to Well-being’ programme for young people with poor mental health. The programme aims to improve the social and emotional needs of each young person, using specialist therapeutic activities and a 5-step guide.

*The young person’s name has been changed to protect her identity.

To find out more about STEP, visit the charity’s website here.